The 8-point plan included the appointment of 2 black members to the Board of Directors and an investment in People of Color in all levels of the organization, performing artists, directors, show staff, Board of Directors and committee members. In addition, J.R. Rose, the director of next year’s musical, “The Color Purple” graciously stepped down to turn over the helm to a person of color. The organization is committed to Black inclusion, leadership and participation on any and all shows.
The Drama Group has also pledged to work with individuals who want to direct at their organization. They will partner with them to foster their success. They have also committed to the hiring of an outside diversity consultant to inform and recommend change.
The greater part of the meeting was an opportunity for members and the community to speak freely about their concerns, hopes, fears and desires for the Group. It was a very lively, honest and frank forum with the Board of Directors listening openly to all comments.
This coming year, The Drama Group will celebrate its 90th birthday as a community theatre. As one devoted member, Tina Zagone, put it, “Last night was a pivotal moment for the The Drama Group and a monumental way to begin our 90th Anniversary season.”
The Chicago Heights Drama Group is one of the oldest continuously running all-volunteer community theatres in the nation, “bringing Broadway to the southern suburbs since 1931.” For current information, see our website at www.dramagroup.org